Maple Leaf Trust Charity Auction Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the Maple Leaf Trust, and what does it do with money raised?

Canadian Affair is proud to be a corporate sponsor of the Maple Leaf Trust, a UK registered charity (number 294037) administered by the Canadian Women’s Club of London. To read more about the Trust, you can visit the website (www.mapleleaftrust), or contact the Canadian Women’s Club for more information (info@canadianwomenlondon.org).

Under the patronage of the Canadian High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, the Maple Leaf Trust is supported by contributions from individuals, corporations and foundations. A full list of Trustees and corporate sponsors can be found on the Trust’s website.

The aims of the Maple Leaf Trust are to both honour Canada’s past and to promote Canada’s future. It does this through supporting two very worthwhile causes, Canadian veterans living in the UK and Canadian scholars who are undertaking graduate study in the UK.

A portion of the money raised with the online auction will be used by the Veterans’ Support Committee, which was established after the Second World War to help needy Canadian servicemen who took their discharge in the UK and who still live here.

Many of these ageing veterans now find themselves in very difficult circumstances. Moreover, emergencies do arise and financial help is needed for disability aids such as scooters, moving expenses to nursing homes and respite care.

Through funds raised by the Maple Leaf Trust, the Committee continues to provide practical and social assistance to a number of veterans and their dependents. Each family receives quarterly payments plus a bonus at Christmas, Easter and Thanksgiving and on the veteran's birthday. The Committee provides a lifeline for these veterans. For some, the money is used for life’s necessities; for others, the emotional support is just as important. For some veterans or their surviving spouse, the Committee’s remembrance of a birthday or at Christmas is the only acknowledgment received.

The Maple Leaf Trust also supports the Canadian Centennial Scholarship Fund. Since its inception in 1967, Canada’s Centennial year, the Centennial Scholarship Fund has awarded over 300 scholarships of between £500 and £3,000 to outstanding students from across Canada who are already enrolled in postgraduate programmes at UK universities, colleges, institutes or conservatories.

Q: Will the Maple Leaf Trust use the money for administration?

None of the money raised in the auction will go towards administration or overhead costs. All of the work done by Trustees and others involved with the Trust is given freely so that 100% of the money raised will go to its good causes. Any administration work done is provided through the Canadian Women’s Club, and through the kind donation of people’s time. Canadian Affair, as a corporate donor to the Maple Leaf Trust, offers its support at no cost.

Q: What are the rules for taking part in the online auction?

Each prize starts with a starting bid. Certain items may be marked with a reserve value and this must be exceeded in order for the final bid to be accepted. These reserve items will be clearly marked. Auction bidders must be prepared to spend the money when placing each bid, it is unlawful to place bids with the intention of not paying the final bid if yours is the final amount.

Q: If I’m the highest bidder, how do I pay for and then collect my item?

Once the auction has closed at 6pm (GMT) on Wednesday 12th May 2010, the final bids will be noted and the successful bidders will be contacted on the 13/14th May 2010 for full payment to be made. Prize details and winning bid forms will be sent.

Q: Can I donate to the Maple Leaf Trust without bidding?

Of course! Please visit the Trust’s website (www.mapleleaftrust.org) where you will find a form to make a donation by cheque / post, or a link where you can donate online using a credit or debit card. Although it is a UK-based charity, donations can come from Canada or indeed anywhere in the world. If you’re a UK resident, the Trust can claim Gift Aid on your donation, providing them with even more money towards their causes.